Nextbike Cardiff: Bike sharing scheme scrapped due to theft

The Nextbike scheme in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan is due to end in January 2024

A bike sharing scheme is being scrapped for good after thousands of bikes were stolen or vandalised.

Nextbike said 3,000 bikes had gone missing or been damaged in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan since the scheme began in 2018.

The company took the bikes away temporarily in 2021 after it was reported that hundreds had been stolen.

Cardiff councillor Dan De'Ath said the local authority was "optimistic" it could find a new bike share partner.

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The scheme, which was contracted to end in 2025, will instead cease to operate in January 2024.

It had been Nextbike's most successful scheme in the UK in terms of usage, with two million rentals across both counties during its lifespan.

"The Cardiff and Vale cycle-hire scheme has, despite its challenges, been an immensely popular scheme with a significant number of users," said Mr De'Ath, cabinet member for transport.

"I want them to know that it is our intention to see a new cycle hire scheme return to the city as soon as possible.

"We now need to find a way, using the latest technology, which will make it harder for people intent on vandalising or stealing bikes to get away with their actions."

Bronwen Brooks, cabinet member of Vale of Glamorgan council, said she was "disappointed" that the scheme, which has "proven popular in the Vale", was being axed due to vandalism.

Nextbike says the rate of vandalism "meant it was unfeasible for us to continue and offer a good service"

"The council will continue to operate the Brompton Bike hire system in Llantwit Major and is currently exploring options to replace the Nextbike scheme," Ms Brooke added.

A feasibility study is under way to look at the best way forward for both Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan councils.

It will look at schemes across the globe while reviewing a variety of suppliers.

Jess Strangward, of Nextbike, said: "It is sad that we have had to take the decision to close the Cardiff service as I know it was well used and liked by residents.

"Unfortunately, the rate of vandalism this year meant it was unfeasible for us to continue and offer a good service."